Situated at Number One, Kensington Court, opposite Kensington Gardens, The Milestone Hotel offers one of London’s finest traditional Afternoon Teas, having won an Award of Excellence in the Afternoon Tea Awards 2024.

Stepping into the lobby you’re likely to first notice the elegant furnishings, and a distinct style of British traditionalism, carefully preserved after a meticulous restoration, which saw the conversion of two townhouses into the luxurious hotel we see today.

Afternoon Tea is served in The Park Lounge Tea Room (or Cheneston’s Restaurant depending on availability). Our reservation was for the Park Lounge, where you will find yourself surrounded by gorgeous, traditionally styled dark wood furnishings, warm atmospheric lighting, plush and comfortable seating, with larger-than-life oil paintings. This beautifully designed lounge and the soundtrack of gentle classical music, made for a luxurious, calming ambience.

The Milestone Hotel take pride in offering a selection of fine teas from specialist supplier PMD. Once seated, we were presented with a menu, detailing all the teas on offer. We tried a selection of teas, the first of which was the seasonal single estate New Vithanakande, a rich leafy tea with a delicious caramel flavour.

Next came the iconic Afternoon Tea stand, adorned with a variety of masterfully crafted savoury sandwiches and sweet desserts from the traditional menu. Alternative menus are available on request to suit a range of dietary requirements.

The presentation was excellent, and it was hard not to tuck in right away. I started with Mrs T’s Chicken Mayonnaise, a Milestone classic that defies the expectations of a Coronation Chicken sandwich, through its spicy filling and crust-like toasted almonds. Now for my favourites; the Cucumber and Cream Cheese sandwich was delicious, with soft, fluffy bread and thick cream cheese filling, along with perfectly moist and soft cucumber. The Mature Cheddar Tomato and Basil Chutney sandwich was another showstopper, with an exquisite tomato bread and delicious cheddar and chutney fillings. On offer were also a couple of traditional Afternoon Tea classics, such as Smoked Salmon, Ham, and Egg Mayonnaise sandwiches, all just as delicious as the last.

After the savouries we decided to try another of the menu’s specialty teas, with the Planter’s Mistress, a delicious golden tea, with hints of bergamot and orange.

What is an Afternoon Tea without scones? Well, we’re not sure… and luckily, we didn’t find out either, as next up was a delicious selection of light, fluffy scones. Timed to perfection by the team at The Milestone, our scones arrived still warm, ready for the homemade strawberry jam and clotted cream. These were also a highlight of the afternoon, living up to that high Milestone standard.

Last, but not least, were the pastries. A heavenly selection of five beautiful, meticulously perfected sweet treats. These were a serious showcase of skill, presentation and taste. The headliner Mrs T’s Baked Vanilla Cheesecake was so delicious, with an unthinkably light texture and airiness, making it one of the best cheesecakes we’ve tasted. The rest were just as delightful, with a sumptuous Caramel & Yuzu Mousse, fruity Pistachio & Raspberry Choux Bun, Coconut & Pineapple Macaron, and finally a Honey & Yoghurt Polenta Cake.

The service was flawless, with attentive staff who were more than happy to accommodate our needs and answer any questions we had.

Afternoon Tea at The Milestone Hotel is served in either the Park Lounge or Cheneston’s Restaurant starting at £85 per person. Champagne Afternoon Tea is available and priced at £98 per person. Click here for more details.